NCHS Music Courses Page

BAND

Placement in the NCHS band program is by live audition. “A” and “B” auditions are held each spring for the following school year. The “A” audition includes advanced etudes selected by the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) as well as the IMEA scales. “B” auditions are held approximately one month after “A” auditions and consist of music playable by all musicians entering the program, but challenging enough to identify the student’s basic musicianship. Complete audition details are available at the NCHS band website, www.nchsbands.info.

CONCERT BAND 312110-312111

Open to all students, this high school entry level ensemble is a prerequisite to the Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble. The curriculum is designed to build a foundation for future involvement in the intermediate and advanced bands with a focus on performance skills. Private study is encouraged. Literature will be varied for the study of different styles and the ensemble will perform for concerts throughout the year; attendance at these concerts is mandatory. Music notation, terminology and appropriate level rhythmic studies will also be included. Students will need a cassette tape recorder for playing assignments and other materials per the course syllabus and handbook. Percussionists will need a stick bag and a sticks/mallet assortment. Instrumental rental/use fees are assessed as appropriate to instruments available. Concert uniform consisting of specified shirt/blouse and black slacks/ankle length skirt are also necessary items. Please visit the band website at www.nchsbands.info for more information.

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Recommendation of Junior High Director &/or “B” audition

Course Fee

SYMPHONIC BAND 312120-31212

The Symphonic Band is open to 9th-12th graders who wish to further advance their skills on a wind or percussion instrument. Intermediate music theory concepts, notation, rhythm and terminology are studied at this level. This is an advancing organization and private study is encouraged. Progress, commitment and instrumentation needs in the Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble warrant promotion to that level. The Symphonic Band performs at various concerts throughout the year; attendance at these concerts is mandatory. Attendance for all performances and before school section rehearsals is required. Students will need a cassette tape recorder for playing assignments and other materials per the course syllabus and handbook. Percussionists will need a stick bag and a sticks/mallet assortment. Instrumental rental/use fees are assessed as appropriate to instruments available. Concert uniform consisting of specified shirt/blouse and black slacks/ankle length skirt are also necessary items. Please visit the band website at www.nchsbands.info for more information.

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: By “B” audition only

WIND SYMPHONY 312128-312129

The Wind Symphony is an advanced wind and percussion ensemble for those students who have achieved a high level of proficiency. This course is a college preparatory ensemble fostering outstanding rehearsal/performance standards, refined musical literature study and a high degree of music appreciation. Daily home practice and a genuine commitment to personal as well as ensemble excellence are essential and expected. Private study is highly recommended; nearly 100% of students study privately. This is an advancing organization. Progress, commitment and instrumentation needs in the Wind Ensemble warrant promotion to that, the highest level. Public performances may include regular concerts and festival participation, both local and otherwise; some weekend travel performance is required. Attendance at all performances and sectionals is mandatory, as is participation in the NCHS solo and ensemble contest. Opportunities to participate as soloists and ensemble members, IHSA organizational contests, IMEA District and All-State Festival Bands as well as other programs are possibilities at the director's discretion. Students will need a cassette tape recorder for playing assignments and other materials per the course syllabus and handbook. Percussionists will need a stick bag and sticks/mallet assortment. Instrumental rental/use fees are assessed as appropriate to instruments available. Concert attire for Wind Symphony is “Concert Black”. Gentlemen wear tuxedos and ladies wear black conservative formal dress. Please visit the band website at www.nchsbands.info for more information.

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: By “A” audition only

Course Fee

WIND ENSEMBLE 312130-312131

Wind Ensemble is the most advanced wind and percussion ensemble for those students who have achieved the highest level of proficiency. This course is designed as a college preparatory ensemble fostering outstanding rehearsal and performance standards, refined musical literature study and a high degree of music appreciation. With only 1-2 players per part, this ensemble is smaller than a band. Daily home practice and total commitment to personal as well as ensemble excellence are essential and expected. Private study is imperative; nearly 100% of students study privately. Public performance may include regular concerts and festival participation, both local and otherwise. The top Wind Ensemble members will audition for IMEA organizational events. Some weekend travel performance is required and attendance at all performances and sectionals is mandatory, as is participation in the NCHS solo and ensemble contest. Opportunities to participate as soloists and ensemble members, IHSA organizational contests, IMEA District and All-State Festival Bands as well as other programs are possibilities at the director's discretion. Students will need a cassette tape recorder for playing assignments and other materials per the course syllabus and handbook. Percussionists will need a stick bag and a sticks/mallet assortment. Instrumental rental/use fees are assessed as appropriate to instruments available. Concert attire for Wind Ensemble is “Concert Black”. Gentlemen wear tuxedos and ladies wear black conservative formal dress. Please visit the band website at www.nchsbands.info for more information.

Level: 10, 11, 12 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Orchestra

CONCERT ORCHESTRA 312142-312143

Concert Orchestra is a basic level string ensemble for students who wish to develop the skills of shifting, vibrato, and bow technique. Students are exposed to a variety of musical styles, with an emphasis on learning proper performance practice. Minimum playing skills are to include: knowledge of major scales, ability to play at both fast and slow tempos, working knowledge of the shifting process, knowledge of note names, and the ability to demonstrate different sound styles through proper use of the bow. Incoming freshmen who do not audition for Symphonic Orchestra will be placed in Concert Orchestra. Private study on the individual instruments is suggested.

Level: 9, 10 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Course Fee

SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA 312144-312145

Symphonic Orchestra is an advanced level group for students who have achieved a high level of technique on violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students should have a working knowledge of shifting into advanced positions, vibrato techniques, and basic bow techniques of detache, martele, and staccato. Music literature is chosen that builds on these techniques with a variety of musical styles. Students also have the opportunity to perform in small group ensembles and full symphonic orchestra. Incoming freshmen may audition for Symphonic Orchestra during the spring of eighth grade. An audition piece and other information will be sent to the junior high schools in February. Private study on the individual instruments is highly recommended for students to achieve maximum success.

Level: (9) 10, 11, 12 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Prerequisites: Audition

Course Fee

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE 312146-312147

Chamber Ensemble is an advanced level, smaller ensemble group. Entrance is by audition or teacher recommendation only, and students are required to take private lessons. Emphasis is on musicianship and ensemble performance.

Level: (9), 10, 11, 12 Semester: 2 Credit: 1

Prerequisites: Audition

Choir

CONCERT CHOIR 312220-312221

Concert Choir is a group of male and/or female singers for the student who is interested in participating in an intermediate to advanced musical organization. It is usually comprised of boys in grades 10 - 12 and girls in grades 11 and 12. If Mixed Chorus is not offered, then 9th grade boys will also be a part of this group. The group meets five days a week and participates in the annual Fall, Holiday, Pop, and the Spring concerts. Attendance is required at all performances. Members work on sacred and secular standard historical literature, as well as folk material, pop, and novelty music. Concert Choir is the backbone of the annual spring musical, and involvement in chorus is suggested for participation in that musical.

Level: ( 9), 10 (Boys Only), 11, 12 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Prerequisites: By audition only. 2nd semester start is possible with director's permission. (or, for transfer students, similar membership at another school).

Course Fee

MIXED CHORUS 312230-312231

Mixed Chorus is a course designed for young singers, male and female, freshmen through seniors. All incoming freshmen interested in vocal music should register for this course. If Mixed Chorus is not offered, freshman boys will be placed in Concert Choir; 9th grade girls will be placed in Choralettes. Students sing music from all periods, with emphasis on contemporary and folk literature. Basic musical terms and vocal skills are taught so a student may progress to advanced ensembles, if desired. The choir usually participates in the fall, holiday, pop and spring concerts; attendance at performances is required. It is suggested that students be involved in chorus to be in the spring musical.

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None

Second semester start is possible with Director’s permission.

Course Fee

CHORALETTES 312232-312233

This group is open to all grade levels for girls who have a certain degree of proficiency, or who prefer to sing in a girls' ensemble rather than a mixed chorus. The group meets five days a week and participates in the Fall, Holiday, Pop, and the final Spring concerts; attendance is required at all performances. All types of literature for female voices is sung - folk music, show tunes, vocal jazz classics, and standard choral repertoire. This chorus is a prerequisite for Concert Choir and all incoming female students should progress through this group or may join Concert Choir (if they are a Junior or Senior) at the director's option following an audition. If Mixed Chorus is not offered, then 9th grade girls will be placed in this group. It is suggested that students be involved in chorus to be in the Spring musical. All interested members may audition for leading or supporting roles or as dancers for the spring musical or be involved in technical crews.

Level: (9), 10, 11, 12 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Prerequisites: Open to 9th grade girls only if Mixed Choir is not offered. 2nd semester start is possible with director's permission.

Course Fee

CHORALE 312234-312235

Chosen by audition only, this advanced vocal group consists of 16 to 24 male and female singers or it may be entirely female or entirely male. The group functions as both the jazz choir and an ensemble for studying advanced choral chamber music. During December, several performances for school and community events will often be scheduled. Availability for extra curricular performance is expected from the members of Chorale. Members are expected to audition for IMEA and All-State and District choirs in October. The group traditionally auditions in the spring of the previous year and often sings at additional community performances. It is an excellent way to experience many performance opportunities.

Level: (10), 11, 12 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: By audition only

Course Fee

MUSIC THEORY 1 & 2 312240-312241

Music Theory covers the harmonic elements commonly used by composers and how these materials are used. Areas of study include notation, counting, meters, intervals, choral structure and keyboard harmony, transposition and fundamental instrumental arranging and scoring. Students will write four part arrangements and learn to score these original compositions for various ensembles. Rhythmic and harmonic ear training will also be practiced. Students will have the opportunity to study career exploration in the music industry. Knowledge of the piano keyboard will be helpful and the ability to read in either treble or bass clef basic notation is prerequisite.

Level: 10, 11, 12 Semesters: 2 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Must read standard notation (treble or bass clef)

Course Fee

MUSIC APPRECIATION: 312250, 312251

FROM BACH TO ROCK

Music has played and continues to play a vital role in enriching the lives of all who experience it. Our enjoyment of music can be expanded when it is infused with historical context, explores multiple styles and genres and when it is examined within the larger social, cultural and artistic environment. In this class, students will listen to, analyze and evaluate music and musical performances from an historical to a contemporary perspective. As a result, students will develop greater historical music knowledge, gain exposure to a variety of musical styles, advance their ability to connect their own musical interests to history, create a foundation to inform their

future musical experiences and investigate potential music industry applications that might be relevant to their lives.

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Semesters: 1 Credit: ½

Prerequisite: None

MUSIC INDEPENDENT STUDY 31290, 312291

Music Independent Study may be available to the very advanced vocal or instrumental music student. Prior to registration, the student will work out an acceptable contract with a supervising instructor. Contracts are available in the Humanities Department office. The student will work on one particular area of music in which s/he has the necessary prerequisites. Admission to Music Independent Study is for the mature student and requires a high degree of self-direction.

Level: 11, 12 Semesters: 1 Credit: ½

Prerequisites: By approval of the supervising instructor and department coordinator. Permission is also required of student’s counselor and student’s parent.

Course Fee